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Attention, crafters!
Firstly, before I break the (somewhat) bad news, I want to say that I am WITH you in wondering, “Is there a Michaels in the UK?” or even “Is there a Michael’s in London?” or “Is there a Michael’s in England?” or “Is there a Michael’s in Scotland” or…
IS THERE A MICHAEL’S ANYWHERE OUTSIDE OF AMERICA BECAUSE I REALLY JUST NEED SOME YARN AND TO TRAIPSE THROUGH AISLES OF PAINTBRUSHES.
I feel like I spent my entire childhood in Michaels.
School project? Michaels.
Halloween project? Michael’s.
Bored and just got my license and need to spend some time somewhere wholesome?
MICHAELS!
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But let’s get into it…
“Is there a Michaels in the UK or London?”
Sadly (*tear*), there is no Michaels in the UK, England, or London, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost.
But before I delve deep into where you can find untreated wood, acrylic paints, scrapbooking tools and other knic knacks in the UK, I want to share some resources with you that might help you adjust to your time in the UK.
Firstly, no matter your reason for being here, you need the best book on living in the UK for Americans ever written – the book is called “Girl Gone London: An American’s Guide to Surviving Life in the UK” and you should click here and check it out.
I also may have written it, so I’m biased.
But truly, if you’re coming to the UK as an expat, a study abroad student, or even a visitor, my guide to life in the UK contains both personal anecdotes and maybe too-honest experiences, as well as resources and advice on topics ranging from homesickness in the UK (or how not to rage book a flight to America like I did), driving in the UK, being a student in the UK, and more practical advice about bank accounts, buying houses, and more.
It’s truly a one stop shop for all of the weirdness and wonderfulness (is that a word?) that comes along with life in the UK, and also there is plenty of opportunity to laugh at me as I share all of my expat fails so there’s that.
Maybe you’re just coming for a couple of days and only want the basics (in that case, the article on the London Underground and understanding UK money were meant for you).
Or maybe you’re staying for longer, either as an expat or a longer term visitor.
If that’s you, check out the guide to culture shock (it will probably happen to you, you’re not immune!) and read below about how much yelling was involved when I learned to drive in the UK (hint: lots).
- Culture Shock: The Things We Don’t Talk About
- An American Girl’s Guide to Surviving the London Underground
- Understanding UK Money: Pence, Not Cents!
- Driving in England as an American: An Apology to UK Drivers
Anyway, let’s delve into the “Is there or isn’t there a Michaels?” conundrum.
Michaels is a craft store operating out of the US and Canada that was established in 1973 and opened its 1000th store in Texas in 2008.
In addition to “traditional” craft supplies, it carries baking items, framing services, and seasonal items and home décor.
Michaels also do classes, which is how many summer days in my childhood were spent – sweating profusely in the back of a Michael’s store while learning how to do a leaf rubbing or something.
Despite having stores in Canada, Michaels has not made it to the rest of the Commonwealth.
However!
That doesn’t mean that you can’t get your craft on in the UK.
In fact, quite the opposite.
What else is there to do in a dark and dreary climate over the winter except get lost in miles and miles and miles of sewing projects and gluing your hands together while trying to recreate the latest DIY sensation on Pinterest?
There are a few different craft stores in the UK, but I’m going to suggest what is, in my mind, the closest thing to Michaels: Hobbycraft.
The name sort of says it all, in that it’s a craft store for hobbyists.
From felt to frames to children’s craft kids to wooden crates to sewing materials to all kinds of glue, you can find almost anything you need here.
In my experience, Hobbycrafts tend to be a bit smaller than the Michaels I’ve been into, but I attribute this to the general lack of space in the UK anyway that means everything is a bit on the small side, not just the craft stores!
Hobbycraft is where we found all of the materials we needed to craft it up for our wedding, and while I understand that the pain of not having a Michaels can sometimes be too great to bear, give them a try.
Before you head over to the UK, you should also be aware of some other things that are/are not available to you.
Here’s a list below of some of the most frequently asked ones!
Fast Food
The UK has…
-Dominoes
-McDonalds
-Burger King
-Pizza HUt
The UK doesn’t have…
-Arbys
-Chick-Fil-A
-White Castle
Sit-down restaurants
The UK has…
-TGI Fridays
-Chipotle
The UK doesn’t have…
-Tijuana Flats
-Carrabas
-Outback Steakhouse
Big Stores
The UK has…
-Costco
-Walmart-owned ASDA, which isn’t exactly the same as a Walmart but pretty close
The UK doesn’t have…
-Macys
-Nordstrom
Other things you should keep in mind are that grocery stores are completely different.
I don’t think I’ve found one that is found on both sides of the pond.
Also, Boots is the equivalent to Walgreens or CVS, and many people just do their shopping on Amazon and have it delivered, especially if you live in London.
Read more in my full guide comparing UK and US stores and restaurants.
Coming to London Soon?
Hey!
Since you’re here I’m assuming you’re intent on visiting this amazing city soon!
Getting the lowdown on the hottest spots in town can be time consuming so I took the liberty of picking out some great ones below.
Hope you enjoy!
Open Top Bus London Tour: Double Decker buses are not only a way of transportation in London, but a definitive pastime of the city dwellers.
This tour lets you see London by night and experience a true right of passage that every Londoner must complete.
A two for one YAY!
Kew Gardens: If you want to explore some of the calmer areas of the city, I highly recommend exploring the botanicals at Kew Gardens.
London’s largest World Heritage site boasts acres of gardens in a royal glass palace because, yes, everything here gets the royal treatment.
Afternoon Tea Cruise on River Thames: Oh so you’ve come to London looking for tea?
Lucky for you theres literally MILLIONS of options to choose from… it can actually get overwhelming.
So I made it easy for you and found one of the best teas in town, complete with the best setting as well!
Want to know more about US stores in the UK? Check this list out!
- Is there a Costco in London or the UK?
- Is there a Target in London or the UK?
- Is there a Shoe Carnival in London or the UK?
- Is there a Duane Reade in London or the UK?
- Is there a Books-a-Million in London or the UK?
- Is there a Giant in London or the UK?
- Is there a Justice store in London or in the UK?
- Is there a PacSun in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Barnes and Noble in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Pottery Barn in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Chase Bank in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Banana Republic in London or in the UK?
- Is there an Arby’s in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Children’s Place in London or in the UK?
- Is there a 7 Eleven in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Hot Topic in London or in the UK?
- Is there an Applebee’s in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Disney World in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Bath and Body Works in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Bank of America in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Panda Express in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Boston Market in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Sam’s Club in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Wawa in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Trader Joe’s in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Safeway in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Sears in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Wegman’s in London or in the UK?
- Is there a TJMaxx in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Kroger in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Little Ceasars in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Dick’s Sporting Good in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Panera Bread in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Cheesecake Factory in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Johnny Rocket’s in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Wells Fargo in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Chuck E Cheese in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Sonic in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Waffle House in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Red Lobster in London or in the UK?
- Is there an IHOP in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Chili’s in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Goodwill in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Popeyes in London or in the UK?
- Is there an Old Navy in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Dillards in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Walgreens in London or in the UK?
- Is there a CVS in London or in the UK?
- Is there an Ulta in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Best Buy in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Kmart in London or in the UK?
- Is there a JCPenney in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Publix in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Marshalls in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Nordstrom in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Lowes in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Bed Bath and Beyond in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Taco Bell in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Dairy Queen in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Steak n Shake in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Hobby Lobby in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Sephora in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Macys in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Ross in London or in the UK?
- Is there an American Eagle in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Petsmart in London or in the UK?
- Is there an Olive Garden in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Chick Fil A in London or in the UK?
- Is there an Outback Steakhouse in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Chipotle in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Kohls in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Starbucks in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Home Depot in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Wendy’s in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Walmart in London or in the UK?
- Is there a Dollar Store in London or in the UK?
- Is there an In-N-Out Burger in London or in the UK?
I would definitely worship at the crafting shrine that is Michael’s – apart from one slight problem ………… we are Michael-less in the UK. Noooooooooo! Could I add a couple of suggestions to your solution to craftlessness here? Hobbycraft does tend to rule the roost, however, there are some other contentenders to the UK Crafting Crown (and you know how we love our crowns over here ….). The Works, The Range and Baker Ross – all of whom have a presence on line and the first two have bricks & mortar palaces (something else we love …) to wander around. Also, two companies, run by the same family called (the names are sooooo British) “Every Craft’s A Pound” and “Every Craaft’s A Bargain”. Who, but us Brits could come up with such catchy names? I would love to visit the US, however, the next best thing surely is to help a sister Crafter from another Country! Happy shopping and happy crafting! Susie Iannantuoni xx
I can agree to some points about Hobbycraft but unfortunately while Michaels have lots and lots of products for us we make jewellery Hobbycraft have non. Not even one. And I am not talking about childish beads like penny beads ( by the way that is the only item that Hobbycraft have), but really for us that do costum made jewellery. I have to buy from Amazon or other sites but I am a person that I actually prefer to visit a shop. A physical shop that I can see and touch sometimes. I am not originally from England so a lot of times I know what I want but I don’t know how it’s called or even how to search for it. A physical shop is so much easier. You want to buy 20 strands of beads in 20 differend colours and 20 different sizes? You just grab them. Do you now how much husle is to do that on line?
I wish we had a physical shop and I would travel to London to visit…